Not your mama's pearls - some modern pearl loves

Throw back that stereotype - pearls are no longer that conservative piece worn only by women sipping tea and wearing elbow length gloves (though how fun is that?).  My mom lent me the most beautiful set of double stranded pearls to wear at my wedding and they were ridiculously fabulous - the stuff of Holly Golightly dreams.
I'll miss ma and of course her lovely jewelry collection.

In the meantime, I have to start building up my own collection and have been browsing for pearls on my own (and I've always been curious about that Mikimoto sale in NYC but that'll have to wait - that's possibly something worth the price).
Here are some picks:

They're bold, fun, and pretty reasonably priced for some faux pearl fun below.

At Ann Taylor for $45

Ooh a modern statement pair of pearl earrings at $100 - worth it (and Amrita Singh goes on sale sometimes!)

  Found here

Pearls, crystals, and tulle - nice combination indeed and only $34.99!

 

J. Crew here 

Pearls and chains - love the modern mix here!

  

Only $23 here 

 Pearls and ribbons...two of my favorite things together and for only $14.99

 

 At Ruche here

Speaking of moms and empty nests, this was a kinda fun "full nest" kinda item and only $16.

Found here, includes pendant and earrings!

 Thanks Pink Argyle for recommending Regina B - glorious pearl pieces with lovely silver tone embellishment.  Pretty investment worthy at $265.

Found here

and a lust item, glass pearls with Swarovski crystals...love the graduated sizes in pearls

 £758.30 here

What do you think about pearls?  Do you have any favorite pieces?